[Reader-list] A fleet of ships to Gaza

[SUNDARA BABU]

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jorgen Johansen <johansen.jorgen at googlemail.com>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2010

Istanbul, Turkey – Following months of preparation, a coalition bringing
together a number of organizations and movements working to break Israel’s
illegal blockade on Gaza was announced yesterday in Istanbul.  The
coalition, comprised of the Turkey-based IHH (Insani Yardim Vakfi)
organization, the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG), the
Greek Ship to Gaza campaign, the Swedish Ship to Gaza campaign and the Free
Gaza Movement, will launch a flotilla of ships laden with cargo, media,
parliamentarians, celebrities and activists to Gaza next month.

The flotilla includes at least eight vessels, including three cargo ships,
and will set sail from European ports beginning May 3, reaching the port of
Gaza later in the month.  Over 500 passengers from more than 20 countries
will take part, and 5,000 tons of cargo, including cement, prefabricated
housing, other building materials, medical equipment, and educational
supplies will be delivered to Palestinians in Gaza.

The Free Gaza Movement has been launching ships to Gaza since August 2008,
partnering with organizations and activists around the world on these
missions.  In December 2009, IHH led a land convoy to Gaza that brought tons
of humanitarian aid and other supplies.  In January 2010 the European
Campaign brought 50 parliamentarians to Gaza in solidarity with the
Palestinian people and to witness the devastation wrought by Israel’s
illegal policies.  Ship to Gaza/Greece and Ship to Gaza/Sweden meanwhile
have had ongoing campaigns in their countries to raise awareness and funds
for this effort and for materials to be brought to Gaza.

“Through this coalition, these organizations will be able to maximize
resources, experience and commitment to ending the illegal siege on Gaza.  Even
as Israel continues its daily persecution of Palestinians, we will use this
action to wake the world’s consciousness about the crimes committed against
Palestinians,” said IHH President Bulent Yildirim.



The coalition invites organizations and individuals from around the world to
join the effort by providing supplies for Gaza and contributing financial
support for the mission.



Contact:

Free Gaza Movement – Greta Berlin - +33607374512; www.freegaza.org

ECESG – Arafat Madhi - +44 7908 200 559; www.savegaza.eu

IHH – Ahmet Emin Dag – +90 530 341 1934; www.ihh.org.tr

Ship to Gaza / Greece – Vangelis Pissias - +30 697 200 9339;
www.shiptogaza.gr

Ship to Gaza / Sweden – Dror Feiler - +46702855777; www.shiptogaza.se